Blog Feed: PenguinPoop

Could the Penguins lose Malkin in 2 years?

Published on 2012-05-14 11:23:43

The KHL has announced, according to multiple sources, that all returning Russians from the NHL will not count against the salary cap. What will the Penguins do in 2 years if some crazy, stupid, rich KHL owner offers Geno $25 million tax free per season like Jaromir Jagr was making in Omsk? Sure it's the KHL, but Geno speaks the language, eats the food and wouldn't have to pay for mom and dad to come visit him. He has already won a Stanley Cup so take that out of the equation too. I have a f [..] > read more

Penguins Should Learn From the Devils

Published on 2012-05-12 10:45:47

I hope that the Penguins management team had a close eye on the Flyer-Devils series.  The Devils put on a clinic as to how to win a playoff series.  First and foremost, play hard every shift.  The Penguins most certainly did NOT do that.  Next is play with a strong defensive posture – know what man you are responsible for and pressure him everywhere on the ice.  The Flyer players skated around the ice with ease against the Pens.   Continuous solid goaltending is also vital to playoff su [..] > read more

Phil Krundle: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-05-02 11:43:31

Here at PenguinPoop we are taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Sixth up is Phil Krundle. Phil Krundle Perhaps looking at the big picture is needed before we make the Penguins owners, management, players and peanut venders walk the plank. Yes, the Penguins had an early first round exit. The Penguins didn't lose in 5 games to an eighth seeded team like the Canucks. The Penguins weren't the defending Cup champions who got ouste [..] > read more

Just kicking around some crazy Penguin trade ideas

Published on 2012-05-01 18:29:52

I was sitting around with a couple of my buddies talking, what else, Penguins hockey and what they might be doing in the coming months ahead.  We wondered what would happen if NHL general managers acted like fantasy hockey owners so we started throwing around some crazy trade ideas just to see which ones might actually be feasible in today's NHL. Here are some of the more outlandish ones we came up with.  Tell me which ones you like, how you might improve upon them or suggest your own. > read more

Art Vandelay: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-05-01 07:57:58

Here at PenguinPoop we are taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Fifth up is Art Vandelay. Art Vandelay Undisciplined, Outclassed, and Out Coached This past Sunday the Pittsburgh Penguins fell to their bitter rival the Philadelphia Flyers 4 games to two. Going in to the series I predicted the Penguins would win in 6 because they would be more disciplined. I was wrong it was the Pittsburgh Penguins that were outclassed by the Fl [..] > read more

Reg Dunlop: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-04-30 08:13:47

Here at PenguinPoop we are taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Fourth up is Reg Dunlop. Reg Dunlop So the Pens disappointed everyone for a second straight season by taking a first round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  It couldn’t be more disappointing considering the loss came at the hands of the dreaded Philly Flyers.  Add to that, the Pens were picked by many to be Stanley Cup favorites and it becomes that much mor [..] > read more

Doug MacRay: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-04-29 08:01:46

Here at PenguinPoop we are taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Third up is Doug MacRay. Doug MacRay What should the Penguins do in the off season? Here are some things they should and shouldn’t do. Let’s start with what they shouldn’t do… They shouldn’t fire anyone on the coaching staff. This is the third straight year they have had an early exit from the playoffs. Last year was due to injuries, but this year sh [..] > read more

STH35: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-04-28 08:01:50

Over the next week or so each of us here at PenguinPoop will be taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Second up is STH35. STH35 The most important thing that has to be done if the Penguins are going to win another Stanley Cup is fix Marc Andre Fleury. He shows spurts of brilliance. But then, so does every other goalie in the NHL. A goalie's job is to make big saves at key times and not allow bad goals at critical times. In the [..] > read more

Disco Stu: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Published on 2012-04-27 08:01:01

Over the next week or so each of us here at PenguinPoop will be taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  First up is Disco Stu.  Disco Stu Time to Blow it up, or just do a remodeling job? After three consecutive years of heading into the playoffs as prohibitive favorites to get to the Cup and then crashing and burning in the early rounds, the Penguins have to start wondering why they can't turn regular season excellence into p [..] > read more

Penguins Update: History Repeating Itself

Published on 2012-04-26 09:58:57

In nature everything runs in cycles. Seasons change from winter to spring to summer to fall, and back again. The same holds true in sports. Championship teams are cultivated and nurtured through a combination of drafts, trades and free-agent signings until they peak. Then they gradually diminish until they enter a rebuilding phase. Only three years removed from their thrilling Stanley Cup victory in 2009, the Penguins have entered a post-championship funk eerily similar to the one they experien [..] > read more

Pictures: The Penguins Stopped by Excuses Again.

Published on 2012-04-25 23:09:34

Well the Penguins stopped by their favorite hockey bar for their traditional end of season LANGE'S GANGER PEGGY WITH BRENT JOHNSONgathering. There are no tales of karaoke tragedies but it appeared the boys had a few beers and tons o’ fun. If you were lucky enough to be at Excuses Bar and Grill Tuesday night not only would you see the best wings in Pittsburgh but some of the best WINGERS as well. Our Excuses pal Peggy Sullivan (a long time member of Excuses’ Lange’s Gang) said the guys h [..] > read more

Penguins Must Wait ‘Til Next Year

Published on 2012-04-23 10:29:42

As a long-time Penguins fan, writing the summary for yesterday’s Game 6 loss to the Flyers was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It was somewhat akin to writing an obituary for a dear friend who suddenly had passed away. Watching the game was even more painful. With dreams of a dramatic comeback from an 0-3 series deficit dancing in their heads, the Penguins never got untracked. Indeed, the enduring image from Sunday's defeat occurred five seconds in, when Philly superstar Clau [..] > read more

Flyers Throttle Penguins 5-1, Advance to Second Round

Published on 2012-04-22 16:33:23

The Sports Illustrated jinx is alive and well. Seven days after SI posed the question—“Who Will Stop the Penguins?”—on the cover of its April 15 issue the new-look Flyers provided the answer. Paced by Claude Giroux’s three-point effort and some stingy defense (40 blocked shots), the Flyers eliminated their surprisingly subdued rivals in Game 6 on Sunday afternoon before a capacity crowd at Wells Fargo Center. For the Penguins, who hoped to become the fourth team in NHL history to rall [..] > read more

Penguins Can Still Beat the Flyers in Six

Published on 2012-04-22 00:01:04

Figuratively, of course, but if the Pens knot this series at 3-3 this afternoon, the Flyers won't have what it takes to finish the series back here in the 'burgh. Why? I think Phil hit on the #1 reason in his last post The Penguins Are Now in the Flyers' Heads: they are showing tell-tale signs of being a shell-shocked team on the verge of absolute shambles. And that was after our first victory! Pile on Game Five's 3-2 win, and whatever the Pens do today, and you have three times the heart-break [..] > read more

Flower Powers Penguins Past Flyers 3-2

Published on 2012-04-21 02:05:55

During the first four games of their incendiary opening-round series, the Penguins and Flyers provided enough fireworks to rival any Fourth of July pyrotechnics display. On Friday night Marc-Andre Fleury stole the show with a goaltending effort for the ages. In perhaps the most brilliant performance of his career “Flower” made 24 saves—including 14 to blunt a ferocious third-period Flyers surge—to pace the Pens to a 3-2 victory in Game 5. “He won them the game, plain and simple,” Ph [..] > read more

The Penguins are Now in the Flyers Heads

Published on 2012-04-20 11:31:40

Earlier in the season the Penguins lost six games in a row.  All the talk around Pittsburgh was about how the Penguins wouldn't  make the playoffs and who should be traded. After losing the six in a row the Penguins went and won eight games in a row. Going into last game the Penguins had lost six playoff games in a row.  The Flyers got blown out on Wednesday and are beginning to question themselves. The Flyers tried everything in their trick bag to get the Penguins to retaliate on Wednesd [..] > read more

PenguinPoop Radio Tonight at 7PM – Penguins Live to Fight Another Day

Published on 2012-04-19 16:52:38

Tonight on Penguin Poop radio, we'll be discussing last night's spectacular 10-3 victory over the Flyers in Game 4 of their best of seven series.  We'll also be talking about what changes the Penguins made last night and how they can hopefully carry that momentum over into Game 5 Friday night.  We'll be taking your calls and seeing what the market is like for brooms now that 20,000 of them went unsed last night at the Wachovia Center.  We'll also be talking about what impact the returns of Ja [..] > read more

Flyers finally show their true colors or Anyone want to buy a broom cheap?

Published on 2012-04-19 14:18:18

No matter the result of last night's Game 4 between the Penguins and the Flyers at "Whatever the hell bank bought us this week" Arena, the Penguins would be coming back to Pittsburgh today either to get the golf clubs out of the closet or start preparing for Game 5 at the Consol Energy Center Friday night, and thanks to the arrival of the "Real" Philadelphia Flyers(And seriously, what took you guys so long to get here?), it is the latter. Flyer fans showed up in full force last night all wearin [..] > read more

Superstition Dictates I be Airborne on Friday.

Published on 2012-04-19 08:31:06

I watched about 10 minutes of the game at a Tampa airport bar last night before I heard my name called over the loudspeaker to "report to Gate 63 because the doors will be closing shortly to ensure a timely departure." Before my mad dash to my gate, I got to see two penalties against the Pens, two Penguin tallies, and a gimme goal the hockey gods spotted the Flyers. I was cautiously optimistic, though, because things looked a little different. Hell, Evgeni Malkin had scored, so it looked [..] > read more

Penguins Show Heart, Destroy Flyers 10-3

Published on 2012-04-19 00:47:36

The objective in any survival situation is to adapt, adjust, and overcome. With their playoff lives on the line the victory-starved Penguins achieved all three of those goals during Game 4 on Wednesday night. Three days after the Flyers delivered a beat-down that left them teetering on the brink of elimination, the boys from the ‘Burgh responded with a little shock and awe of their own. Despite missing four regulars the Pens splintered the orange and black before a packed house at Wells Fargo [..] > read more

How the Pens will win the next 4 games

Published on 2012-04-18 15:26:49

“So we’re down 3-0 to an obviously superior squad!  We’re getting lumped up and beat to every puck! shift after shift!   What an embarrassment to our city and our fans!  What the hell can we do?  Maybe we were lucky to make it even this far!  Looks like we’ll be hitting the links soon.  There’s no way we can come back and win this thing.  How embarrassing!  How did this happen?  It’s was like POW! All of a sudden we are down 3-0!  There is no hope.  Oh, I wish I was dead! [..] > read more

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step (Or a good left hook)

Published on 2012-04-18 08:11:27

Like everyone else, I'm assuming that the Penguins will add Dustin Jeffrey, Eric Tangradi and Joe Vitale to the starting lineup tonight to replace the suspended Craig Adams, James Neal and Aaron Asham. Anyone else like me that thinks Stave McIntyre would be a better addition than Tangradi? > read more

I’m not Embarrassed by the Pittsburgh Penguins Actions

Published on 2012-04-17 08:31:31

Oh, I was embarrassed Sunday.  I was extremely embarrassed when the NBC announcers were sticking up for Scotty Hartnell and claiming along with Hartnell that he was getting his hair pulled.  I have never been more embarrassed for the NHL as a sport in my 37 years of watching hockey. I'm not one to kick my team when they are down so no matter how unpopular it has become, I stand by my teams actions on Sunday and will be standing by my hockey team the rest of the way.  I am a Pittsburgh Pengu [..] > read more

Video: Craig Adams Suspended 1 Game for Pulling Hartnell’s Hair

Published on 2012-04-16 20:14:31

This was once again a horrendous call by Shannahan & the NHL.  You can see on the bench Berube and Laviolette discussing sending out some Flyers.  Berube goes up to Simmonds and tells him what he wants him to do. Simmonds skates all the way from the Flyers net across the blueline to Neal, and Hartnell makes a b-line to Crosby.  Even the announcers say that the referees were idiots.  Shannahan has lost his mind.  Bylsma was fined & Adams was suspended for instigating.  Insane. The NFL has [..] > read more

The Penguins Need a Quick Adjustment

Published on 2012-04-16 13:20:11

I have been a Penguin fan for 40 years.  I have had season tickets for 37 years. Watching the performance of this team in game 3 has to be the low point of the 40 years for me. A part of being a Penguin fan has  always included hating the Flyers. We hated the Flyers because of the stupid and childish things that they did. On Sunday I had to watch the Pens do stupid and childish things. The stupid things are too numerous to mention. The most childish act was Crosby knocking the Flyer's glove a [..] > read more

Penguins Get an ‘A’ for Atrocious

Published on 2012-04-16 09:45:20

I’ve been a die-hard Penguins fan for nearly 40 years. During that span there have been precious few times—especially since the arrival of Mario Lemieux—when I haven’t been proud of our team. But this is one of ‘em. It isn’t that the Pens lost a crucial Game 3 to the piping-hot Flyers yesterday. Every team loses. Rather, it’s the way they lost that has my guts churning. With their playoff lives on the line, our boys seemed infinitely more interested in extracting a pound of flesh [..] > read more

Flyers Outclass Penguins 8-4

Published on 2012-04-15 20:02:18

Prior to the “Battle of Pennsylvania,” Flyers forward Scott Hartnell boldly proclaimed, “It’s going to be a bloodbath.” The Philly villain’s prediction came true—in spades—on Sunday afternoon during a raucous Game 3 at the Wells Fargo Center. In an ugly affair that featured 168 penalty minutes and battles galore, the Flyers outclassed the Pens 8-4 to gain a three-games-to-none stranglehold on the series. While Philly shredded the Pens’ special teams (four power-play goals and [..] > read more

Gameday Poop: Game 3 – Penguins vs. Flyers – One Game at a Time

Published on 2012-04-15 10:10:35

Does anyone remember back in January when the Penguins lost six in a row and all you heard was about how the Penguins were done for the season?  Right after that the Penguins won 8 games in a row.  The Penguins also hold the longest winning streak in the NHL this year.  They are a streaky team.  One win turns this whole series around. One game at a time.  You hear the players say that phrase all the time.  We're going to take it one game at a time and see what happens.  The Penguins need [..] > read more

Can the Penguins Beat the Flyers?

Published on 2012-04-14 11:14:26

After watching Philadelphia cut through the black and gold like a knife going through a tub of warm butter in Games 1 and 2, the question on everyone’s mind is, “can the Penguins beat the Flyers?” The answer is yes. But first, a history lesson. Step into my time machine, if you will, and set the date for April 26, 1992. Fresh off a dismal 7-2 Game 4 loss to Washington, the Penguins were hanging onto their playoff lives by an anorexic thread. Fueled by the inspired play of Peter Bondra, Al [..] > read more

If the Penguins are going to win Bylsma must pull in the reins

Published on 2012-04-14 11:01:44

The Penguins have tried to win it their way. The Penguins war of attrition has failed and it's time to look at what does work.  What has worked is the New York Rangers game plan. The Rangers are 6-0 against the Flyers this year and the most goals the Flyers have scored against them in a game is 3. There are a few simple changes Penguins coach Dan Bylsma can make to turn this series around. Bring the Cowboys back down to earth The Penguins have some cowboys running wild and if Bylsma doesn't [..] > read more

Flyers Torch Penguins 8-5 in Barnburner

Published on 2012-04-14 01:58:46

It’s no secret the Penguins and Flyers have one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports. But they also play some incredibly entertaining hockey. Such was the case Friday night before a packed house at CONSOL Energy Center. In one of the most riveting games ever witnessed in Western Pennsylvania the never-say-die Flyers—paced by hat tricks from Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier—mounted yet another furious rally to down the locals 8-5. Again Philly played the tortoise to the Penguins� [..] > read more

Gameday Poop: Game 2 – Penguins vs. Flyers – Questioning Bylsma’s Faith

Published on 2012-04-13 08:40:41

The Penguins had seen the exact same scenario as what happened Wednesday before.  Tell me if this sounds familiar.  Exactly 10 days earlier on a Sunday afternoon the Penguins were playing the Flyers at the Consol.  The Penguins got up two goals in the first five minutes, the crowd was bouncing of the walls.  At the 4:58 mark the Flyers coach called a timeout.  Over the next twenty minutes the crowd volume dwindled to a murmur and the Flyers scored the next five goals in a row and won the ga [..] > read more

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio We’re Going Toe to Toe with Broad Street Hockey

Published on 2012-04-12 16:00:27

This week's episode will feature a recap of Game 1 of the Penguins/Flyers playoff series as well as feature special guest, Travis Hughes, the managing editor of Broad Street Hockey.  One of the largest and most read Flyers blog sites. We'll be talking about Game 1 as well as hearing the Philly side of the Laviolette/Berube/Crosby kerfuffle from the end of the season.  There may also be a few other surprise guests in the mix also. They'll also be taking your calls so join us Tonight, April 12 [..] > read more

Penguins Update: Flyers A Lot Like Smokin’ Joe

Published on 2012-04-12 11:17:26

The recently departed Joe Frazier was one of the greatest heavyweight boxing champions of all-time. Known as Smokin’ Joe for his relentless attacking style, Philadelphia’s favorite adopted son was a fighter of limited skills but enormous heart. Blessed with a granite chin, the squat and powerful Frazier would absorb an opponent’s best punches without so much as blinking in order to deliver his slaughterhouse left hook. More often than not his unfortunate foe wound up on the canvas, separat [..] > read more

Pens’ Game 1 Loss to Flyers Best Outcome Short of Big Win

Published on 2012-04-12 07:52:22

While the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated their first period victory down in the South Side, their stunt doubles let Game 1 slip away in the remaining two periods and change. That may actually be better than getting a win they didn't deserve. For that last 42:23 the Pens were embarrassingly out shot, out hit, out hustled, and out hearted by a team that they had just proven they could dominate. We all know there is an arsenal of awesome Mortal Kombat-esque fatality hits and goals on the bench [..] > read more

Flyers Feast, Penguins Fizzle in Game 1

Published on 2012-04-12 00:33:53

One of these days the Penguins are going to figure out how to play 60 minutes of solid hockey against the archrival Flyers. Steel City fans better pray that day comes soon—say, in time for Friday night’s Game 2 at CONSOL Energy Center. If not, it could be an awfully short postseason for the boys from the ‘Burgh. In a virtual replay of previous contests between the bitter foes the Penguins melted the ice with a white-hot first period, only to fade in the face of a scorching Flyers rally. L [..] > read more

Penguins Strategy?

Published on 2012-04-11 21:31:11

I really hope that if the Pens are fortunate enough to have another large lead in this series, that they do not choose to use the "prevent defense" to protect that lead.  It never works out well. > read more

Gameday Poop: Game 1 – Penguins vs Flyers – The Bloodbath

Published on 2012-04-11 12:01:14

Don't let these Flyers fool you. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and coach Peter Laviolette have gone about rebuilding the team from the ground up. They started by removing the characters and keeping the players with character. In the off season they added and paid heavily for a player to come in that brought playoff experience.  Not only did he bring experience, he brought a great presence in the locker room and could bring the players together outside the rink also. No, not Jaromir Jagr, I'm talking [..] > read more

The History of the Penguins vs Flyers Rivalry in Six Easy Steps

Published on 2012-04-10 13:11:11

Have you ever wondered how the bitter rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers got started?  Published author & PenguinPoop blogger Rick Buker takes a look at the rivalry in his special six-part history of the feud. Penguins-Flyers Rivalry Part 1: Roots (1925-1967) Penguins-Flyers Rivalry Part 2: The Early Years (1967-1972) Penguins-Flyers Rivalry Part 3: Rise of the Broad Street Bullies (1972-1984) Penguins-Flyers Rivalry Part 4: Super Mario and “the Streak” [..] > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers 2012 Playoff Predictions

Published on 2012-04-09 10:43:59

We have a saying here at PenguinPoop that “We have more hockey knowledge in our body than you have in your entire pinky“, that just being a little humor and all, the “body” of people writing here at PenguinPoop have probably been to more Penguins games than any other collection of Pittsburgh Penguins’ writers on the internet.  Two of us have been season ticket holders for over 35 years, 4 more of us season ticket holders have been following the Pens since B.L. (Before Lemieux) and [..] > read more

Ex-Penguins Update: April 8, 2012

Published on 2012-04-08 12:30:31

Here’s a quick glance at how former Penguins fared during the 2011-12 season. Forwards and Defensemen           Player Pos Team GP G A PTS PIM +/- Marian Hossa RW CHI 81 29 48 77 20 18 Matt Moulson* LW > read more

Malkin Gets 50, Penguins Dump Flyers 4-2

Published on 2012-04-07 20:50:28

For a game that was meaningless in terms of its impact on the standings, Saturday afternoon’s contest between the Penguins and Flyers sure caused a stir. In the wake of last weekend’s brawl-marred Philly victory, neither team was letting its guard down. This would explain why the Pens summoned heavyweight Steve MacIntyre from their Wilkes-Barre farm club. While the hulking 6’6”, 250-pounder provided a reassuring presence, the black-and-gold’s big guns did the heavy lifting. Paced by t [..] > read more

Three Reasons the Penguins Should Sweep the Flyers

Published on 2012-04-07 12:01:45

Actually there are WAY more than 3 reasons but this should be enough to convince Pens fans to wager early and heavily and Flyer fans to wish they liked soccer. Conditioning:   Consider the physical and mental fatigue that is endured during a best of 7 series especially when the opponent is a heated and hated rival (true hockey fans can totally relate to this). It only makes sense to bring up the argument that a game and perhaps the series might be won by the last man standing. Considering the [..] > read more

Tortorella, Milbury & Berube Resolve to Calling Crosby & Malkin Names

Published on 2012-04-06 10:16:01

The NHL is a game played by men.  To ensure this the NHL has a strict rule that a player be the age of 18 or more before September 16th of the year of Entry Draft eligibility.  For coaches and TV analysts the rules are a bit less strict. This week in Penguins history started with NBC analyst Mike Milbury saying this about Sidney Crosby on a Philadelphia radio show  "Crosby, sheesh, he writes the book on whining", "He's Gretzky like in his whining" while also saying “I thought Dan Bylsma s [..] > read more

Penguins Crunch Rangers 5-2, Clinch Fourth Seed

Published on 2012-04-06 00:53:26

The Penguins passed a big test against the Rangers as they tuned up for the Stanley Cup playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center on Thursday night. Fueled by two-point games from Chris Kunitz, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, and Jordan Staal—not to mention a tidy 35-save effort by Marc-Andre Fleury—the black and gold spanked the Eastern Conference champs 5-2 to earn home ice for their upcoming series with the Flyers. They also drew the ire of another opposing coach. Following Brooks Orpik’s unfortuna [..] > read more

Penguins Update: Quote of the Week

Published on 2012-04-04 09:41:20

In the wake of the Penguins-Flyers game-ending brawl on Sunday—which featured a heated verbal exchange between Philly coach Peter Laviolette and black-and-gold assistant Tony Granato—NBC Hockey analyst Mike Milbury criticized Pens skipper Dan Bylsma for not getting involved. “I thought Dan Bylsma should have taken off his skirt and gone over there,” Milbury huffed. Bylsma’s response was an all-time classic. “I wasn’t wearing a skirt,” he wryly noted. “It was a blue suit.” [..] > read more

Crosby Nets Two as Penguins Bop Bruins 5-3

Published on 2012-04-04 00:10:55

While it wasn’t exactly an ode to better puck management, the Penguins rebounded from a galling loss to the Flyers to whip the equally tough Bruins, 5-3, at TD Garden on Tuesday night. Pacing the win for the locals were Sidney Crosby, who collected two goals and an assist, and defenseman Kris Letang (three assists). Backup goalie Brent Johnson also shone, stopping 26 shots in his second solid performance since returning from an undisclosed injury. From the outset Boston seemed intent on setti [..] > read more

Flyers Rally, Smoke Sputtering Penguins 6-4

Published on 2012-04-01 16:24:42

In all likelihood the Penguins and the Flyers will clash in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs during the very near future. If Sunday’s matinee contest at CONSOL Energy Center was a preview, the Pens could be in big trouble. After striking for two quick goals, the home team crumbled like the dome on the old Civic Arena en route to a frustrating 6-4 defeat at the hands of their cross-state rivals. With the memory of a bitter last-second overtime loss to the Flyers on March 18 still [..] > read more

Penguins Doin’ Fine without Jagr

Published on 2012-03-31 14:16:51

As our Penguins prepare to battle archenemy (and likely first-round playoff opponent) Philadelphia on Sunday, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on the Flyers’ signing of free agent Jaromir Jagr last summer. Kind of a hockey version of Back to the Future, if you will. Just to refresh your memory, the former Steel City great decided to return to the NHL following a three-year hiatus in the KHL. After expressing through his agent Petr Svoboda that “his heart was in Pittsburgh,” Ja [..] > read more

Crosby Leads Penguins Past Sabres 5-3

Published on 2012-03-31 02:22:38

Fresh off a pair of dismal losses to the New York Islanders, the Penguins traveled to Buffalo to take on the Sabres at First Niagara Center on Friday night. Arguably the league’s hottest team, Lindy Ruff’s crew hardly fit the bill of a patsy. Indeed, the hungry young Sabres entered the contest on a five-game winning streak. Fortunately, the Pens were up to the challenge. Powered by big-time performances from Sidney Crosby, Steve Sullivan, and Evgeni Malkin—not to mention a bounce-back 25- [..] > read more

Bailey, Okposo Power Islanders Past Penguins 5-3

Published on 2012-03-29 23:46:51

In the wake of his team’s sloppy 5-3 loss to the Islanders on Tuesday, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma clearly wasn’t a happy camper. He made it plain during Wednesday’s practice session that he expected better defensive play from his troops. “They realize the situation,” Bylsma said. “Players spoke. Coaches spoke.” To make sure his charges got the message he broke up the high-powered “Firing Line” for Thursday night’s return engagement with the Islanders. Chris Kunitz joined his [..] > read more

Penguins Update: Bylsma a Dapper Dan

Published on 2012-03-28 23:07:30

To say Dan Bylsma has accomplished a lot during his three-plus seasons as Penguins coach would be an understatement roughly the size of Texas. In his first year at the helm Bylsma guided the Pens to a Stanley Cup. Last season he coaxed 106 points out of a team that was walloped by injuries, earning him the Jack Adams (coach of the year) Award. And he’s already the second-winningest coach in franchise history. Yet the job Bylsma’s done behind the bench this season may outstrip any of his pre [..] > read more

Penguins History: Eddie “The Entertainer” Shack

Published on 2012-03-28 13:23:41

He wasn’t the best player to don a Penguins jersey. Not by a long shot. But few players in the history of the National Hockey League ever generated more press—or cultivated a more loyal following—than Edward Steven Phillip Shack. Born of hearty Ukrainian stock, Shack grew up in Sudbury, Ontario. As a teenager he worked in a coal mine and a local butcher shop. At the age of 15, Eddie had a tryout with the Guelph Biltmores of the Ontario Hockey Association. Much to his surprise he made the [..] > read more

Islanders Ice Penguins 5-3

Published on 2012-03-28 00:14:13

“There are three kinds of lies,” celebrated 19th-Century author Mark Twain was fond of saying. “Lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Twain’s colloquialism seemed an all-too-fitting way to describe Tuesday night’s contest between the Penguins and Islanders at CONSOL Energy Center. The black and gold outshot the visitors 54-25. They dominated the faceoff circle (40-24). For good measure the Pens out-hit the Isles (23-13), too. And they lost 5-3. Paced by Frans Nielsen’s two-goal eff [..] > read more

Sidney Crosby Quietly Adds a New Weapon to His Arsenal

Published on 2012-03-27 14:58:09

Sidney Crosby would be the first to tell you that even though he is at the top of the food chart in the NHL, he is always trying to diversify.  Continually improving and learning from others is a large part of what makes him the best at what he does.  Having over a year off, he has had a lot of time to watch others and add to his repertoire. Before Crosby won the Stanley Cup back in 2009 he mentioned that he was going to work on improving his shot over the summer.  What no one had noticed [..] > read more

Penguins Rebound, Whip Devils 5-2

Published on 2012-03-25 22:29:44

As they prepared to square off at CONSOL Energy Center for Sunday night’s tilt, both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils felt they had something to prove. The Penguins were determined to bounce back from a sloppy 8-4 loss to Ottawa on Saturday. For the visiting Devils, it was more personal. They hoped to atone for an embarrassing 5-2 loss suffered at the hands of the Pens eight days ago. While Peter DeBoer’s crew fell short of their quest, it was mission accomplished for the black [..] > read more

Penguins Update: Fleury’s Got Hart

Published on 2012-03-25 14:18:29

Lately, the CONSOL Energy Center faithful have taken to chanting “MVP” whenever Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin torches an opposing goalie with one of his patented highlight-reel goals. There’s no denying that Malkin’s enjoyed an extraordinary season (95 points and counting) or that the super Russian’s the odds-on favorite to capture the Hart Memorial Trophy. “Geno’s” truly been magnificent. Yet here in the land where “Malkimania” rules there’s another player who merits s [..] > read more

Senators Chill Hot Penguins 8-4

Published on 2012-03-25 01:30:11

Entering Saturday night’s contest with the Penguins at Scotiabank Place, the backpedaling Ottawa Senators had lost three straight, including an embarrassing 5-1 shellacking at the hands of Montreal on Friday. They were in desperate need of a win, not to mention some offense (nine goals in their past six games). Remarkably, the high-flying Pens proved to be just the right tonic. With slumping snipers Daniel Alfredsson, Milan Michalek, and Jason Spezza springing to life, Ottawa torched backup B [..] > read more

Crosby’s return hasn’t lifted everyone’s stats

Published on 2012-03-24 14:47:12

They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and there hasn't been a bigger tidal wave around here than the return of Sidney Crosby after a three and a half month absence.  Not that the Penguins weren't playing well before he returned, they were having won 12 out of their previous 14 games, and it's not like they weren't scoring goals during that time, they were averaging four goals per game over that stretch, but it's just the way they're playing now that makes you wonder where they would be if Sid [..] > read more

Penguins Maul Predators 5-1

Published on 2012-03-23 00:32:19

When the Nashville Predators rolled into town to take on the Penguins in a big cross-conference tilt on Thursday evening, all eyes were focused on an intriguing matchup between Marc-Andre Fleury and the Preds' equally gifted Pekka Rinne. However, the battle of the league’s winningest goalies proved to be no contest. Paced by Fleury’s 29 saves and an eight-point night by the “Firing Line,” the Pens bombed the Preds 5-1. Bolstered by trade-deadline acquisitions Hal Gill and Andrei Kostits [..] > read more

Penguins Update: Cooke Reclaims Lost Season

Published on 2012-03-22 10:40:28

When Penguins winger Matt Cooke received his team’s Masterton Trophy nomination last Saturday, it provided a well-deserved moment of vindication. Indeed, few players in the annals of hockey history have undergone a more dramatic transformation than the former Public Enemy No. 1. “I’m honored,” he told Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I’m thankful that I’ve had the support I’ve had from my teammates, the coaching staff, management, ownership, the fans, and my family, [..] > read more

Big Guns Roar as Penguins Pound Jets 8-4

Published on 2012-03-21 00:04:56

Two days after swallowing perhaps their most bitter defeat of the season at the hands of archenemy Philadelphia, the Penguins vented their considerable frustration Tuesday night on the poor Winnipeg Jets. The result was a resounding 8-4 victory before another sellout throng at CONSOL Energy Center. There was no shortage of heroes for the home team. James Neal notched his first black-and-gold hat trick en route to a four-point night. Evgeni Malkin—inspired by the presence of his parents Vladim [..] > read more

Thursday’s game against Predators could now be more difficult for the Penguins

Published on 2012-03-19 10:53:32

Former NHL Wunderkind, Alexander Radulov, who bolted from Nashville to the KHL three years ago has come to an agreement with his Russian team, Ufa Salavat Yulayev, to be let out of his contract so that he can return to the NHL. He is still property of the Nashville Predators, and if all goes well with his return to the USA, he could be in the Preds lineup in time for Thursday's game Vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. > read more

Sidney Crosby Returns

Published on 2012-03-13 20:38:33

� Wow, Sidney Crosby is a third line center between Cooke and Kennedy.  I wonder how long that will last.  Either way, I can't wait to see him play.  Here is to having a healthy 87 from here on out. > read more

Video: James Neal Flattens Zedno Chara

Published on 2012-03-12 10:33:42

James Neal received a 2 minute penalty for this perfectly clean check that set the tone for the game.  > read more

Penguins Update: Adams a Keeper

Published on 2012-03-12 09:00:51

You won’t find Craig Adams on any All-Star ballots. Nor will you see his name listed among the NHL scoring leaders—or among the top Penguins scorers for that matter. Indeed, his major claim to fame would seem to be his exotic birthplace (Seria, Brunei Darussalam). However, Adams is a rare commodity—a player whose value can’t be fully measured by goals and assists. He hits. He blocks shots. He forechecks with the abandon of a Kamikaze pilot. He’ll drop the mitts when necessary to defen [..] > read more

Penguins Win Ninth in a Row: Blast Bruins 5-2

Published on 2012-03-11 16:04:33

As the old saying goes, “the bigger they are the harder they fall.” The adage certainly held true during Sunday afternoon’s matinee battle between Pittsburgh and Boston. Painting a bulls-eye on mammoth defenseman Zdeno Chara, the Penguins cut the Bruins’ captain and his teammates down to size with a relentless physical assault en route to a 5-2 victory at CONSOL Energy Center. With their sights firmly set on the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the hard-hitting Pens made mincemeat [..] > read more

Penguins Trim Panthers 2-1 on Neal’s Shootout Winner

Published on 2012-03-10 02:42:18

Missing three regulars on defense, the Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a spirited effort by the Florida Panthers—not to mention a superb 33-save performance by goaltender Jose Theodore—to capture a hard-earned 2-1 shootout victory at CONSOL Energy Center on Friday night. Leading the way was Marc-Andre Fleury, who stopped 28 shots to pace the white-hot Penguins to their eighth-straight victory. Twenty-four hours after enduring a lopsided loss to the Flyers, the Panthers dominated the first peri [..] > read more

Dupuis Shines as Penguins Rake Leafs 3-2

Published on 2012-03-08 00:17:23

With temperatures hovering magically at 66 degrees, the Penguins unveiled a magnificent statue of their owner and all-time greatest player, Mario Lemieux, at a special midday ceremony on Wednesday outside of CONSOL Energy Center. Too bad Mario didn’t fare as well in the NBC Hockey Network broadcast booth that evening. Indeed, when No. 66 joined Mike Emrick during the second period of the Pens-Maple Leafs game, the visitors potted two quick goals. Fortunately for “Le Magnifique” his team [..] > read more

Can A Single Statue Honor Everything Mario Lemieux Has Done?

Published on 2012-03-07 15:29:27

Today's unveiling was almost perfect. One thing that would have made it perfect would have been the absence of the woman next to me who kept yelling, "WE CAN'T HEAR YOU," and we were only 10 rows deep from the barrier. I can't imagine what fans stacked all the way back to Washington Place thought was going on when cheering intermittently erupted from the front. . A highlight reel and general jackassery from the crowd kept us entertained until Mike Lange came to the podium to warm us up for the m [..] > read more

Mario Lemieux Bronzed

Published on 2012-03-06 16:00:21

Long before the green was out in the store windows, the Pens had what was labeled the Irish Line. For about a week, Kennedy, Sullivan and O’Reilly laced up together. Well, that line didn’t last long and neither did O’Reilly’s time in Pittsburgh, yet have no fear, thanks to the marketing gurus and retail proprietors, we can sport some Irish green. At the Pen’s Gear stores you can find the likes of the Irish such as O’Crosby and McMalkin. (Who was the brain that thought of doubling the [..] > read more

Penguins Nip Coyotes 2-1

Published on 2012-03-06 00:34:48

In a battle of two of the NHL’s hottest teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins rode another stellar effort by goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to a crisp 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes. Entering Monday night’s contest at CONSOL Energy Center on a five-game roll, the Penguins drew first blood at 11:44 of the opening period thanks to a pretty goal by ex-Coyote Zbynek Michalek. Gathering in a short drop pass from Jordan Staal, “Zibby” cut toward the slot and unleashed a crackling wrister that be [..] > read more

Penguins Rocky Mountain High in 5-1 Win

Published on 2012-03-04 02:07:11

Entering Saturday night’s contest at the Pepsi Center (a.k.a. “the Can”) both the Penguins and the Colorado Avalanche were on a bit of a roll. While Colorado had posted an impressive 7-3-2 mark in their previous 12 games, the piping-hot Pens had won four in a row and seven of their last nine. Battling to keep pace in the chase for a playoff berth, the revved up Avalanche took the play to the Penguins during the early going. Leading the charge was Gabriel Landeskog, who launched five shots [..] > read more

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio – Special Guest – NHL Home Ice’s Boomer Gordon

Published on 2012-03-01 14:35:48

We have a great show tonight on PenguinPoop Radio,  hosts Disco Stu & Art Vandelay along with talking about the Kristopher Letang hit from last night, we will feature alook at the ramifications of all of the deals made on Trade Deadline Day and how any of them might affect the Penguins.  Our special guest will be: James "Boomer" Gordon from the NHL Home Ice channel on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio.  He'll be giving us his opinion on how he thinks the Pens will do in their remaining 20 games and [..] > read more

Inspired Penguins Dim Stars 4-3

Published on 2012-03-01 00:07:53

Throughout Dan Bylsma’s tenure as coach the Penguins have displayed unflinching character in the face of overwhelming adversity. As so it was Wednesday night before a packed house at the in American Airlines Center in Dallas. After losing top point men Kris Letang and Steve Sullivan to injuries, the Pens responded with a gutsy, courageous effort to down the Stars 4-3 in a shootout. The Pens knew coming in that defeating Dallas would be no easy task. Stocked with talented youngsters like Jamie [..] > read more

Video: Kris Letang gets hit by Dallas Stars Eric Nystrom

Published on 2012-02-29 21:22:54

Eric Nystrom hits Kris Letang in the head. Mike Milbury thinks he will get a five game suspension. Eddy Olczyk thinks he won't be suspended at all. .   > read more

Penguins Deadline Deals: Doozies ‘n’ Duds

Published on 2012-02-29 11:07:31

Although it’s a little bit after the fact, here’s a quick sampling of the Penguins’ five best (and worst) deadline deals. The trades had to occur after February 1 in order to qualify. DOOZIES 1. March 4, 1991—Center John Cullen, left wing Jeff Parker and defenseman Zarley Zalapski to Hartford for center Ron Francis and defensemen Grant Jennings and Ulf Samuelsson. Known in Pittsburgh simply as “the Trade.” The Whalers’ all-time leading scorer at age 27, Francis was a superb two-wa [..] > read more

Penguins Neal & Niskanen Shoot First Ask Questions Later Attitude

Published on 2012-02-29 10:55:35

There is one thing that will make a player a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and that is shooting the puck. Penguins fans have stood in the stands and screamed "shoot the puck" for ages, even during warm-ups.  James Neal & Matt Niskanen just one year away from being traded from the Dallas Stars are leading the Pittsburgh Penguins in shots.  Maybe there's something in the Texas water. James Neal leads the entire NHL in shots right now with a whopping 350, 97 of which have missed the net.  Matt Nis [..] > read more

How Ray Shero spent Trade Deadline Day

Published on 2012-02-28 13:10:58

Sure, everyone knows by now that the Penguins made no moves at yesterday's NHL Trade Deadline, but do you really think Penguins GM Ray Shero sat around all day doing nothing. We at Penguin Poop were lucky enough to be granted exclusive access to follow Ray around all day to see what exactly a GM does on one of the most exciting days during the NHL season. � � 7:00 AM:   Wake up and get ready for the big day ahead.  Check Blackberry to see if while he was sleeping any other GM's had sent h [..] > read more

Penguins Stand Pat at Trade Deadline

Published on 2012-02-28 00:02:15

Sometimes in hockey it’s the trades you don’t make that can best help your team. And so it was with Penguins general manager Ray Shero. As the 2012 NHL trade deadline approached he took a good, long look at his club, weighed the comparative strengths and weaknesses against a decidedly underwhelming pool of available talent, and chose to stick with what he has. “Our roster is our roster,” he told a cluster of reporters at CONSOL Energy Center. “I’m comfortable with this team moving f [..] > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins 2012 Trade Deadline Day Coverage

Published on 2012-02-27 09:33:45

Click on the players name to see their stats. The Penguins made no moves today. Other Moves: Anaheim traded winger Andrew Gordon to Vancouver for defenseman Sebastian Erixson Buffalo traded winger Zack Kassian, defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani to Vancouver for center Cody Hodgson & defenseman Alexander Sulzer Chicago trade defenseman John Scott to the NY Rangers for a 5th Round pick Minnesota traded defenseman Greg Zanon to Boston for Steve Kampfer Anaheim traded Mark Fraser Toronto [..] > read more

Penguins Starch Blue Jackets 4-2

Published on 2012-02-26 16:57:58

Entering Sunday afternoon’s contest with Columbus at CONSOL Energy Center, the Penguins were keenly aware of their recent penchant for tanking in the second of back-to-back games. Determined to beat the “back-end blues,” the Pens rode a pair of power-play goals and a 22-save performance by rookie Brad Thiessen to a 4-2 win over the visiting Blue Jackets. The black and gold overcame a determined effort by a down-but-not-out Columbus club (5-4-1 in their last nine games), not to mention the [..] > read more

Ex-Penguins Update: February 26, 2012

Published on 2012-02-26 11:04:42

Here’s a quick glance at how former Penguins are faring. Stats are updated through Saturday, February 25. Forwards and Defensemen               Player Pos Team GP G A PTS PIM +/- Marian Hossa RW Chicago 62 24 35 59 16 20 Matt Moulson* > read more

Super Geno Powers Penguins Past Lightning 8-1

Published on 2012-02-25 18:19:09

Look … up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s “Super Geno!” Okay, maybe likening Penguins center Evgeni Malkin to Superman is a bit over the top. After all, he doesn’t wear a cape and he can’t exactly fly, although you might have a hard time convincing NHL goalies. However, there are a growing number of teams that wish they could find an on-ice version of Kryptonite to slow the big Russian down. Take the Tampa Bay Lightning, for example. On Saturday afternoon at CON [..] > read more

Video: Evgeni Malkin Goal of the Year vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Published on 2012-02-25 15:32:05

Evgeni Malkin opened up a can of Malkamania on the Tampa Bay Lightning after getting punched by the Tampa Bay Lightning goalie.  � > read more

Paul Martin signed into a lose, lose situation with Penguins fans

Published on 2012-02-25 10:27:09

There is a certain type of Pittsburgh Penguins fan that a few of us on PenguinPoop that have followed the Pens since the '70's discuss all the time.  You probably are more familiar with the Steelers version of the fan, the ones that always think the backup QB is the one that should be playing. When Paul Martin, a shut down defenseman who doesn't score and doesn't throw big checks was signed to a $5 million dollar per year contract at the opening free agency a year and a half ago he was basical [..] > read more

James Neal to be featured on NBC Sports Network show next week

Published on 2012-02-24 09:48:27

NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2012) – The National Hockey League (NHL®) and NHL Original Productions announced today that Pittsburgh Penguins forward James Neal will be the next player profiled on the all-access series “NHL 36.” NHL Original Productions cameras will join Neal tomorrow morning and follow him for the next 36 hours as he and the Penguins host afternoon games on consecutive days—Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning (1 p.m. ET, NHL Network US) and Sunday against the Columbus Blue J [..] > read more

More Pictures of the Demolition of the Civic Arena

Published on 2012-02-23 20:01:34

A big thanks to Champ Kind, our inside guy, for snapping these pictures of the demolition of the Civic Arena today. �   > read more

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio – Pittsburgh Penguins Trade Deadline Talk with Dobber Hockey

Published on 2012-02-23 14:39:03

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio, hosts Disco Stu & Art Vandelay will be talking about the Pittsburgh Penguins and their possible moves come trade deadline with special guest Darryl Dobbs of Dobberhockey.com, the premier web site for fantasy hockey.  . We'll be discussing trades that have already taken place and what we think might make sense for the Penguins.  We'll also be talking about all aspects of fantasy hockey with the man who runs the #1 site for fantasy hockey and why some fantasy hoc [..] > read more

Penguins History: Robert Lang

Published on 2012-02-22 22:11:44

As a member of the illustrious draft class of 1990 that included Penguins prodigy Jaromir Jagr, Robert Lang was projected to be a star. Indeed, the Teplice, Czechoslovakia native possessed all the tools. A smooth, powerful skater, the 6’3” 217-pounder had excellent vision and an exquisite touch, both for passing and shooting. While Lang eventually would fulfill his lofty potential, he struggled mightily during the early stages of his career. Following four nondescript seasons in Los Angeles [..] > read more

Penguins Flower Power Stymies Rangers

Published on 2012-02-21 23:52:47

Entering Tuesday night’s contest between the Penguins and Rangers at CONSOL Energy Center, much of the pre-game buzz focused on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, and rightfully so. After all, “King Henrik” had posted some extraordinary numbers, including a microscopic 1.77 goals against average and a stunning .940 save percentage. By comparison, Marc-Andre Fleury’s stats (2.41 GAA, .909 SV%) looked positively pedestrian. Yet as he has done throughout his career, Fleury rose to the occasi [..] > read more

Wheeling Nailers Turmoil Has Johnstown Searching for a New Team

Published on 2012-02-20 09:18:04

The sale of the Wheeling Nailers has Johnstown wondering if the War Memorial will have a tenant next year.   JLPens, from our PenguinPoop Johnstown office has filed this report: It's that time of the year again for revolving door Minor League Franchises.  Have a couple of updates for you.  First the Wheeling Nailers are now up for sale, which of course has a direct impact on the Penguins/Wilkes Barre.  We know the Pens like to use their system throughout their minor league teams as well to [..] > read more

Buffalo Shuffles Past Penguins 6-2

Published on 2012-02-19 15:58:07

Fresh off an emotional victory over Philadelphia the day before, the Penguins traveled north to take on the slumping Buffalo Sabres with high hopes of securing a four-point weekend. After all, the Pens had beaten the Sabres in seven out of their previous eight meetings, including an 8-3 laugher at CONSOL Energy Center on December17. However, the black and gold forgot to pack their “A” game. Or, for that matter, their B, C, and D games. In perhaps their most languid effort of the season, the [..] > read more

James Neal inked to a 6 year contract extension today.

Published on 2012-02-19 09:09:49

Ray Shero announced today the Penguins have signed forward James Neal to a 6 year contract extension set to begin with the 2012/2013 season. Neal, who was due to become a Restricted Free Agent on July 1st had just scored his 30th goal of the season yesterday in Pittsburgh's 6 - 4 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. This will keep Neal locked up with the Penguins through the 2017/2018 season at an annual salary cap hit of $5 million per season, a very favorable cap hit considering the goal scori [..] > read more

Hockeyday in America? How About Hockeyday in Poland for Hardcore Penguins Fans.

Published on 2012-02-19 08:44:17

While Penguins fans from all over America today are wearing their Jerseys to show support of hockey today.  Here are some hardcore Pittsburgh Penguins fans from Poland who support them in a country where most don't even have a clue they exist.  Mateusz Ostrowski from Penguins.pl files this report: The collapse of communist regime and the beginning of democratic transition in Poland in 1989 arguably was one of the brightest moments of the country’s history. The positive impact of democracy [..] > read more

Video: Jordan Staal Fined $2500 for Boarding Flyers Braydon Coburn

Published on 2012-02-18 19:35:44

Jordan Staal got fined the maximum fine allowed $2500 for boarding Flyers Braydon Coburn in todays game. Coburn did not get a penalty for interference. February 18, 2012.  View it here: > read more

Penguins Cooke Crumbles Flyers 6-4

Published on 2012-02-18 19:19:13

Once upon a time the Penguins used to come down with a strange malaise called the “Philly Flu” whenever they traveled cross state to take on Philadelphia. While the Flyers remain one of the NHL’s elite teams, visiting the “City of Brotherly Shove” no longer evokes the same stomach-churning symptoms it once did. Take Saturday afternoon’s matchup at the Wells Fargo Center, for example. After falling behind their Atlantic Division brethren, 2-1, the Pens came roaring back on the wings [..] > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Hall of Famer Mark Howe

Published on 2012-02-18 17:19:29

This past week I had the privelage to be able to talk to recenlty inducted into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame Mark Howe. Mark Howe is the son of hockey legend Gordie Howe, and brother to Marty Howe. Early in Mark's professional career he was blessed with the rare oppurtuntiy of not only to be able to play with his brother Marty, but also his father Gordie. The Howe's won 2 Avco Cups in the WHA playing togther. Some of the things Mark shared with me, growing up in the Howe household, playing in t [..] > read more

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio: Trade Deadline Talk with guest Craig Button

Published on 2012-02-16 13:30:38

Tonight on PenguinPoop Radio, hosts Disco Stu & Art Vandelay will be talking about the Pittsburgh Penguins and their possible moves come trade deadline with special guest Craig Button from the NHL Network. They will also talk about Evgeni Malkin's continued torrid play as well as the return of Jordan Staal and hopefully some insight on the health of Sidney Crosby.  Tune in here:  PenguinPoop Radio:  Pittsburgh Penguins trade talk with Craig Button at 7pm eastern time. � > read more

Penguins Fall 2-1 in Battle of the Birds

Published on 2012-02-16 00:22:14

It’s hard to imagine that a team blessed with elite players such as Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan could be on the outside of the NHL playoff picture looking in. Yet despite a recent 13-2-3 hot streak the Anaheim Ducks entered Wednesday night’s contest with the Penguins at CONSOL Energy Center mired in 13th place in the Western Conference. However, the Ducks had a secret weapon lurking behind the bench. Coach Bruce Boudreau owned a 12-2-3 record against the Pens—including a 9-0 [..] > read more

How Does Penguins Sidney Crosby Fit in Amid Malkamania?

Published on 2012-02-15 14:18:33

Let's face it. Barring injury, these are Evgeni Malkin's Penguins.  Sidney Crosby's eventual return to the Penguins will leave Dan Bylsma with some big decisions.  It was originally thought that James Neal was brought in to be the much needed big winger for Crosby, but as it worked out Neal, Malkin & Chris Kunitz are putting up numbers that make them the number one line in the NHL right now. The Penguins power play is clicking in unaccustomed fashion at 7th in the NHL right now, up ten spots [..] > read more

Penguins Update: 3rd Annual Paul J. Sciullo II Memorial Alumni Game

Published on 2012-02-13 23:27:29

The 3rd Annual Paul J. Sciullo II Memorial Alumni Game will be held at McKnight Center (Shadyside Academy) in Fox Chapel on Saturday, February 18 from 6-9 PM. Paul was one of three Pittsburgh Police officers tragically slain on April 4, 2009. The event will feature two games in honor of our fallen hero—Central Catholic 1972-1999 Alumni Team vs. Pittsburgh Police Icemen, and Central Catholic 2000’s Alumni Team vs. Central Catholic Varsity Hockey Team. Tickets can be purchased at the door. [..] > read more

Penguins, Letang Lance Lightning 4-2

Published on 2012-02-12 22:11:12

Who said Penguins can’t fly? Certainly not the Tampa Bay Lightning. Entering Sunday night’s contest at CONSOL Energy Center on a red-hot 7-1-2 roll, the Bolts watched an early 2-0 lead evaporate in the face of yet another withering offensive assault by the black and gold. On the heels of an incendiary eight-goal outburst against Winnipeg, the Penguins opened the game looking crisp and confident. However, shortly after Tampa Bay goalie Mathieu Garon stopped Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz fr [..] > read more

Penguins to Bolts: Let’s Make a Deal

Published on 2012-02-12 13:20:00

With the NHL trade deadline looming just around the corner, I was scanning the Penguins’ roster this morning and thinking of ways to improve the team. All of a sudden a potential deal popped into my head—ironically involving the Tampa Bay Lightning—who just happen to be in town. I thought I’d share it with our loyal PenguinPoop readers. I propose that Pens general manager Ray Shero package reserve defenseman Ben Lovejoy and prospect Eric Tangradi to the Lightning for right wing Steve Do [..] > read more

Baby Penguins Update: February 12, 2012

Published on 2012-02-12 11:24:30

Here’s a quick glance at how the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are faring. The Baby Pens have a record of 29-13-7, good for first place in the East Division (AHL Eastern Conference). Forwards and Defensemen           Player Pos Age GP G A PTS PIM +/- Bryan Lerg LW 25 49 21 18 > read more

Malkin Shines as Penguins Thrash Jets 8-5

Published on 2012-02-11 18:13:12

The last time Winnipeg visited the Steel City on March 5, 1996, Petr Nedved scored four goals to lead the Penguins to a 9-4 rout of the Jets. On Saturday afternoon at CONSOL Energy Center, it was déjà vu all over again as the clubs combined for another 13 goals. This time around NHL scoring leader Evgeni Malkin (67 points) led the cavalry charge, notching a goal and four assists to pace a wild 8-5 Pens victory. Coming off a rare three-day break, it took the home team some time to warm to the [..] > read more

Penguins History: Jim Johnson

Published on 2012-02-09 08:22:02

It’s somehow fitting that former Penguins defenseman Jim Johnson played his college hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Indeed, the undersized defenseman displayed bulldog tenacity while carving out a solid 13-year NHL career. Although he enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career, Johnson was bypassed in the Entry Draft. Fortunately, Pens general manager Eddie Johnston had his eyes on the New Hope, Minnesota native. Impressed with Johnson’s heart and desire, E.J. signed t [..] > read more

Penguins Pay a Price; Fall to Habs in a Shootout

Published on 2012-02-08 00:54:53

Entering Tuesday night’s contest at the Bell Centre, the Penguins had a chance to accomplish something they’ve never done during their 45-year history. Namely, sweep a season series with Montreal. Too bad the Canadiens weren’t in a cooperative mood. Paced by Carey Price’s 32 saves, the Habs nipped the Pens 3-2 on a shootout winner by Tomas Plekanec. Following a choppy opening 10 minutes of play, the game turned into a pulsating, back-and-forth affair that kept the La Belle Province fait [..] > read more

Penguins Free-Agent Update: Rupp Leaves Big Hole

Published on 2011-07-04 11:15:17

Although Mike Rupp’s departure didn’t receive much fanfare, losing the big forward to the Rangers creates an even bigger hole in the Penguins’ lineup. In an era when classic “beat ‘em in the alley” power forwards such as Gary Roberts and > read more

Penguins Free-Agent Update: Good Riddance

Published on 2011-07-02 03:37:26

When I first learned that the Penguins were entertaining the idea of bringing Jaromir Jagr back to the ‘Burgh, I must confess to having mixed emotions. On one hand, a Jagr return to the Steel City would have revved fan interest to a fever pitch, n > read more

Penguins Free-Agent Update: Au Revoir

Published on 2011-07-01 21:57:20

Lost amid the turmoil of the Jaromir Jagr “my heart’s in Pittsburgh but my wallet’s in Philly” fiasco, Max Talbot signed a five-year deal with the Flyers on Friday. I’ve always loved Talbot. The son of a construction worker, Max was a big- > read more

Ch Ch Ch Changes

Published on 2011-07-01 15:35:26

The free agent frenzy began at 12:01 with Jamaal Meyers signing with the Blackhawks for one year, and it hasn't slowed down yet.  Before noon, the Penguins announced that they had broken off negotiating with Jaromir Jagr, and instantly turned their > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Jay Grossman

Published on 2011-06-26 19:15:50

With the conclussion of the Stanley Cup Finals this past week. PenguinPoop readers turn their attention to the NHL hockey draft followed by free agency on July 1st. I was extremely fortunate to be able to talk to Jay Grossman Presdient of the Puc > read more

Video: Dan Bylsma Coach of the Year Acceptance Speech

Published on 2011-06-22 23:41:49

Dan Bylsma won a well deserved Jack Adams award for "Coach of the Year". Bylsma is the first Penguins coach to win the award. This is the video of his acceptance speech. We had an idea Bylsma was going to win the award back in March, you can read > read more

The Stanley Cup Finals

Published on 2011-06-01 16:44:38

Well, here we are...the first day of the Stanley Cup Finals.  It doesn't matter what team you're a fan of, there's some excitement that comes as a hockey fan at this point in the playoffs.  I think it has to do with a month and a half of waiting an > read more

On to the Conference Finals

Published on 2011-05-15 09:53:23

Time to review my round 2 picks and look at my predictions for the Conference Finals.  I went 75% again.  Kudos again to the West for playing along!  And, in the East, well...apparently no one told Tampa that they weren't supposed to still be in t > read more

Looking Back at Round One, What to Expect in Round Two

Published on 2011-05-03 13:37:32

It's time to take a look back at my own predictions and see how I did. And, since I went 6-2, I have a little tweaking to do for the second round. I know that we're five days until the second round, but this will have to do given that it started the > read more

THANK YOU PENS FOR AN AMAZING SEASON!

Published on 2011-04-28 15:00:22

Another season, another heck of a ride.  It's not the ride we feared we were in for back in October.  It's not the ride we were thrilled to be on in November.  It's not the one that punched us in the gut both in early January and again in February > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 Free Agent List

Published on 2011-04-28 09:30:26

Here is a current list of Pittsburgh Penguin players who’s contracts are up and become free agents as of 12:01 pm, July 1st 2011. Click here if you are looking for all of the Pittsburgh Penguin salary cap numbers: Pittsburgh Penguins 2010 – 20 > read more

Lightning Oust Penguins 1-0

Published on 2011-04-28 00:18:36

Backed by the shutout goaltending of 41-year-old marvel Dwayne Roloson and a timely tally by Sean Bergenheim, the Lightning staved off a late charge by the Penguins to take Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals set 1-0. It was playoff hocke > read more

Penguins Bylsma Needs to Earn His Spurs

Published on 2011-04-27 09:58:54

I know it’s probably considered heresy in these parts to criticize Penguins coach Dan Bylsma. After all, the guy won a Stanley Cup in his first season behind the bench. He’s already won more playoff games than any other skipper in franchise histo > read more

Gameday Poop: GAME 7 – Pittsburgh Penguins vs TB Lightning

Published on 2011-04-27 09:52:40

Tonight the Penguins need to hit somebody. I'm not talking the soft checks the Pens have been throwing the last two games. I'm talking the Brooks Orpik type teeth rattling check he threw at Steven Stamkos the first game. For the last two games the Pe > read more

Lightning Down Penguins to Force Game 7

Published on 2011-04-26 00:02:32

Paced by Dwayne Roloson’s sparkling 27-save performance and clutch goal scoring, Tampa Bay outslugged the gritty Penguins 4-2 to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. Determined to rebound from an 8-2 shellacking in Game > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins Power Play Needs a Big Change

Published on 2011-04-25 21:28:44

Drastic times call for drastic measures!  The Pens power play is mired in drastic times.  Coach Dan needs to take drastic measures to make the power play even remotely effective.  I am not sure what the answer is, but I would start with taking Kri > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs TB Lightning Gameday Poop: Game 6

Published on 2011-04-25 12:50:56

The Penguins that will be wearing the Penguin uniform on the ice tonight and the coaches that will be standing behind them have played half a season without Crosby. They have worked their asses off to get the tiny crumb of respect that the media has > read more

Amped-up Lightning Demolish Penguins 8-2

Published on 2011-04-23 17:14:11

With their playoff backs to the wall, the Lightning’s big guns sprang to life to power Tampa Bay to an 8-2 rout of the Penguins. Simon Gagne, Steven Stamkos and Pavel Kubina paced the Bolts’ potent attack with two goals apiece, while Vincent Leca > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs TB Lightning Gameday Poop: Game 5

Published on 2011-04-22 23:01:00

There is so much to get to this morning.  TSN is calling for Tyler Kennedy to be suspended, Buffalo's coach has called the Flyers "Whiners" and who should be singing the National Anthem. Before I get into all of that, the Penguins have Tampa Bay o > read more

Bombs Away: Quit Your Whining!

Published on 2011-04-22 14:30:13

That's directed at the fans of the other 14 teams left in the playoffs because you will get NO sympathy from Pens fans.  NONE.  ZERO.  NADA.  All I keep seeing is fans crying about how one or two of their good players got hurt and will miss a gam > read more

Penguins Fourth Line Hauls the Freight … and More

Published on 2011-04-21 10:42:12

When Penguins general manager Ray Shero inked Arron Asham to a free-agent deal last summer, he wasn’t necessarily expecting big numbers. Indeed, the peppery winger had tallied just 82 goals over 10 NHL seasons. However, Shero was intrigued by Asham > read more

Penguins Catch Lightning in a Bottle

Published on 2011-04-21 01:09:23

James Neal scored 3:38 into the second overtime Wednesday night to propel the Penguins to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay. Thanks to Neal’s heroics, the Pens snatched a commanding 3-1 lead over the Lightning in their opening-round playoff ser > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning Gameday Poop: Game 4

Published on 2011-04-20 11:16:16

The three words that describe the Penguins special teams are as follows, and I quote, Stink, Stank, Stunk. Laugh as you may about the old chestnut "decline the powerplay", but according to the numbers the Penguins stand a better chance of scoring if > read more

Video: Crosby and Malkin Greet Players After Big Win in Tampa

Published on 2011-04-19 08:41:38

You have to love it when your two superstars who are out with injuries show up in the locker room to congratulate the team after a hard fought victory. LETS GO PENS!! > read more

Bounce Back Penguins Top Lightning 3-2

Published on 2011-04-19 00:46:25

What a difference a game makes. A mere 72 hours after a sloppy, disjointed effort in Game 2 that had Steel City fans (and their coach) scratching their heads, the gritty, never-say-die Penguins rebounded to throttle the Lightning 3-2. It was clear f > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Gameday Poop: Game 3

Published on 2011-04-18 12:24:12

The Penguins game plan for tonight's 7:38PM tip off in Tampa should be a simple one. Stop Tampa Bay from scoring in the first period. To do this the Penguins need to play strict defense, Kris Letang can't be pinching in taking chances until later in > read more

Penguins Playoff Update: Time for a Cool Change (or Two)

Published on 2011-04-16 16:26:29

Being tied 1-1 with Tampa Bay after two games is hardly reason to push the panic button. And I’m certainly not advocating any kind of sweeping changes. But I have a couple suggestions for coach Dan Bylsma that might help the Penguins’ cause. Fi > read more

Lightning Singe Penguins 5-1

Published on 2011-04-16 01:43:40

To borrow a refrain from an old Sam Cooke tune, “Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This.” And so it was for the Penguins in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series with Tampa Bay. Playing before another packed house at CONSOL Energ > read more

Gameday poop: Game 2 Pittsburgh Penguins VS Tampa Bay Lightning

Published on 2011-04-15 10:41:38

The Penguins proved on Wednesday night that hockey is a team sport. You play as a team, you win as a team. The Penguins organization has put together a group of characters who are a team on the ice, a family off the ice. Game one didn't just show the > read more

Fleury Paces Penguins to 3-0 Win

Published on 2011-04-14 00:21:25

Heading into Wednesday night’s encounter with Tampa Bay, Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury didn’t have particularly fond memories of his last playoff game. Not after leaking for four goals on 13 shots during a do-or-die Game 7 versus Montreal—a > read more

2011 NHL Playoff Predictions

Published on 2011-04-13 16:27:16

We thought we would post some of our emails that are going back and forth here at PenguinPoop about how we think the playoffs will go down.  We are doing this informally, so some of us are only talking about the first round Eastern Conference, whil > read more

Gameday Poop: Game 1 – Pittsburgh Penguins VS Tampa Bay Lightning

Published on 2011-04-13 12:00:02

Some people say Summer is the best season. Some say Spring or Fall.  My favorite season is hockey playoff season. The Penguins will be playing their first playoff game tonight in the Consol Energy Center and at the same time will be playing their f > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning Playoff Predictions

Published on 2011-04-12 12:23:49

The PenguinPoop prediction debate is on.  For the first time that I can remember one of our writers is saying they think the opposing team will win.  Some are saying  the Penguins are underdogs and some are saying they think the Pens fans think > read more

Penguins Torch Thrashers 5-2

Published on 2011-04-11 09:30:49

The Penguins wrapped up the regular season Sunday afternoon with a 5-2 victory over Atlanta at Philips Arena. It was the fourth straight win for the piping hot Pens, who enter the Stanley Cup playoffs on a roll. “We have had a great year, but we w > read more

It’s Official, The Penguins Will Be Playing Tampa Bay Lightning First Round

Published on 2011-04-09 21:23:37

The Penguins start their quest for the Stanley Cup either Wednesday or Thursday night.  Philadelphia's win tonight has assured the Penguins 4th place in the Eastern Conference regardless of how the Penguins do tomorrow in Atlanta.  The Penguins fir > read more

Penguins Pay Back Islanders 4-3

Published on 2011-04-09 02:02:30

Entering Friday night’s contest against the Islanders at Nassau County Coliseum, the Penguins had two goals. First and foremost, they needed a victory to clinch home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs and keep the heat on the Atlanti > read more

Who Do the Pittsburgh Penguins Play Next Round?

Published on 2011-04-09 00:18:19

Who will the Penguins end up playing next round?   The Pittsburgh Penguins will be playing the Tampa Bay Lightning Here is the Official NHL Schedule:   Home Wed, April 13 Tampa Bay at PITTSBURGH 7pm Home Fri, April 15 Tampa Bay at PITTSBURGH > read more

Win a PenguinPoop Hoodie Autographed by Brooks Orpik

Published on 2011-04-08 08:32:33

It’s week 4 of your chance to win autographed PenguinPoop shirts. This week is a size XL Black PenguinPoop hoodie autographed by Brooks Orpik. All enteries must be in by 11:49PM EST Thurday April 14th The winner will be announced Friday April > read more

When do the Pittsburgh Penguins Play next?

Published on 2011-04-07 00:10:07

 The Pittsburgh Penguins will be playing Tampa Bay first game Wednesday night at 7PM    Here is the Official NHL Schedule: Home Wed, April 13 Tampa Bay at PITTSBURGH 7pm Home Fri, April 15 Tampa Bay at PITTSBURGH 7pm Away Mon, April 1 > read more

Dupuis Nets Two as Penguins Defeat Devils

Published on 2011-04-06 00:12:02

Pascal Dupuis scored two goals, including an empty-netter with a minute left to play, to pace the Penguins to a 4-2 victory over New Jersey. The win pulled the Pens to within a point of the Atlantic Division-leading Flyers and reestablished a three-p > read more

Hockey World Saddened by the Loss of 23 Year Old Mandi Schwartz

Published on 2011-04-05 12:55:32

Sometimes, a story comes along that just writes itself and compels you to follow it. I was sitting around Sunday afternoon thinking about what inconsistency in the NHL to rant about in my next "Bombs Away" when I saw this come across my Twitter fe > read more

Video: New Penguins History Takes Every Last Second Commercial

Published on 2011-04-05 10:33:37

If this doesn't get you ready for the playoffs, I don't think you'll ever be ready! (Detroit fans not included) > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with ex-Penguin Chris Tamer

Published on 2011-04-04 11:55:49

I recently had the luck of catching up with ex-Pittsburgh Penguin defenseman Chris Tamer.  Some of the Pittsburgh fans who started following the Penguins after Sidney Crosby was drafted may not be familiar with him, but Chris was drafted 68th overal > read more

Penguins Rally Past Panthers 4-2

Published on 2011-04-03 10:05:47

Buoyed by Brent Johnson’s 28-save performance and timely goals from Tyler Kennedy, Pascal Dupuis, Zbynek Michalek, and Craig Adams, the Penguins rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Florida Panthers at the BankAtlantic Center. The victory snapp > read more

Win a PenguinPoop t-shirt autographed by Arron Asham

Published on 2011-04-01 09:38:43

It’s week 3 of your chance to win autographed PenguinPoop shirts.  This week is a size Large PenguinPoop tshirt autographed by Arron Asham. All enteries must be in by 11:49PM EST Thurday April 7th.    The winner will be announced Friday A > read more

Lightning Zap Penguins 2-1

Published on 2011-04-01 00:15:28

In what amounted to a dress rehearsal of their opening-round playoff series, the Penguins dropped a hard-fought 2-1 decision to Tampa Bay at the St. Pete Times Forum. The victory pulled the Lightning to within three points of the Pens in the battle f > read more

Losing Dustin Jeffrey Hurts

Published on 2011-03-30 23:57:46

Dustin Jeffrey didn’t anticipate being an important cog in the Penguins’ machine this season. Indeed, the 23-year-old center figured to spend the season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, honing his skills. Little did the Pens realize Jeffrey’s game wa > read more

Matt Cooke, Todd Bertuzzi & the Mistake that is the NHL.

Published on 2011-03-30 09:24:38

I wrote this piece just after the Matt Cooke suspension was assessed.  Unfortunately, my day jobs sometimes get in the way, I didn’t finish in a pertinent time frame.  Well, Todd Bertuzzi has opened the door for me to submit my thoughts again. T > read more

Penguins Fall to Philly 5-2

Published on 2011-03-29 23:38:10

In a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy, the Flyers rallied from an early one-goal deficit to down the Penguins 5-2. The loss snapped the Pens’ four-game winning streak as they fell four points behind the front-running Flyers with five games t > read more

Penguins Defenseman Paul Martin’s Numbers Don’t Make the Point

Published on 2011-03-28 17:40:52

The Pittsburgh Penguins  powerplay ranks 23rd in the league.  The Nashville Predators are the only other team in the league that currently holds a playoff spot with a worse powerplay.  This has been a problem all season and is in no way a reflect > read more

Penguins Flatten Florida in Shootout

Published on 2011-03-27 17:44:59

Buoyed by a sensational 37-save effort by Marc-Andre Fleury, the Penguins overcame another sluggish start to edge the Florida Panthers 2-1 in a shootout. The victory established a new club record with four consecutive shootout wins. Although the Pen > read more

Streaking Penguins Dump the Devils

Published on 2011-03-26 10:48:10

Beating the nettlesome New Jersey Devils at their own game, the Penguins rode a 21-save shutout performance by Marc-Andre Fleury to a crisp 1-0 shootout victory over their Atlantic Division foes. The Pens’ third win in a row—all by shootout—nar > read more

Win a PenguinPoop T-shirt Autographed by Kris Letang

Published on 2011-03-25 10:10:42

It's week 2 of your chance to win autographed PenguinPoop shirts.  This week is a size Large PenguinPoop tshirt autographed by Kris Letang. All enteries must be in by 11:49PM EST Thurday March 31st.    The winner will be announced Friday Apr > read more

Kunitz Leads Penguins Past Flyers

Published on 2011-03-25 07:15:55

Chris Kunitz beat Sergei Bobrovsky for the game-winner during a shootout to pace the Penguins to a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia. The win pulled the surging Pens to within four points of the Flyers in the race for Atlantic Division supremacy.    I > read more

Bombs Away: No, Chara, I Didn’t Forget About You

Published on 2011-03-24 19:15:15

Just over two weeks ago, Mike Murphy handed down one of the biggest joke decisions in supplementary discipline when he decided that the Bruins' Zdeno Chara should receive no fine or suspension for his hit the night before on the Canadiens' Max Paci > read more

Penguins History: Dave Schultz – If I Had A Hammer

Published on 2011-03-23 14:45:02

During the summer of 1977, popular enforcer Bob "Battleship" Kelly signed a free-agent deal with Chicago, leaving the Penguins without a protector. Although general manager Baz Bastien imported rugged players Colin Campbell, Bob Paradise, and Brian S > read more

Penguins Clip Red Wings in a Shootout

Published on 2011-03-22 06:13:52

It wasn’t the prettiest of wins--certainly not one Dan Bylsma and the Penguins’ coaching staff will use for instructional video. However, given the fact that the Pens triumphed in the Motor City after blowing a 4-0 second-period lead, they’ll g > read more

NHL Policy Forces Mario and the Penguins to Employ a Matt Cooke

Published on 2011-03-21 13:51:12

The media can "spin" the problems of the NHL onto Mario Lemieux's shoulders all they want, but when push comes to shove, the NHL will still be the one that needs to correct their problem, not Mario. Until the NHL fixes the problem of leaving players > read more

Rangers Power Past Penguins

Published on 2011-03-21 11:27:32

Taking full advantage of overlapping third-period penalties, the Rangers rode a pair of power-play goals to a 5-2 victory over the Penguins before a sellout matinee crowd at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens, who outshot the Blueshirts 40-27 while > read more

NHL needs to adopt NBA playoff format

Published on 2011-03-21 10:08:01

With the addition of the expansion Nashville Predators in 1998, the NHL realigned  to a strictly geographic six-division structure (three per conference) and changed their playoff format to the top eight teams in each conference making the playoffs > read more

Win a PenguinPoop Hoodie Autographed by Maxime Talbot

Published on 2011-03-18 09:19:41

Each week for the next 4 weeks we will offering a chance to win an autographed PenguinPoop shirt.  Up first is an size XL Black PenguinPoop Hoodie autographed by Maxime Talbot. Make sure to check out Max's cool new website also:  www.Max25Talb > read more

Next Four Penguin Games – A Litmus Test

Published on 2011-03-17 15:52:42

The play of the Penguins over the next four games should give us a very good idea of how they might fare in the playoffs.  Rangers and Devils at home, Red Wings and Flyers on the road.  Three playoff-bound teams and maybe four as the Devils are the > read more

Sidney Crosby Skates Again… And More Good News

Published on 2011-03-17 14:26:54

Sidney Crosby skated for the 3rd time in four days and even though each time has only been 15 minutes, he has been symptom free.  " I know it’s going to take time. From the way I feel out there and not doing anything for two and a half months, yo > read more

Sidney Crosby Skating Raises More Questions Than it Answers w/Video

Published on 2011-03-14 13:16:42

On Friday Bob McCown a radio guy up in Toronto said about Sidney Crosby: "Members of his family I've been told have suggested to Sid or maybe talking to Sid or trying to encourage Sid to consider retirement" he said that it was not Sid's parents, and > read more

Video: PK Subban Tries to Take Off Rupp’s Head – No Penalty!

Published on 2011-03-12 21:52:14

Surely everyone in Pittsburgh is familiar with PK Subban's antics.  You remember the guy who purposely swung his leg out to trip Jordan Staal and had his skate blade go through the top of Staal's foot.  This time Subban purposely swings his stick > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with ex-Penguin Jason Woolley

Published on 2011-03-10 15:41:34

Jason Woolley had a front row seat to two of the weirder things that went on in the 90's and sandwiched right in between he spent part of a season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Jason came to Pittsburgh along with Stu Barnes in a trade that sent Chr > read more

Penguins Coach Bylsma Deserves Jack Adams Award Consideration

Published on 2011-03-09 12:48:03

The Pittsburgh Penguins have just awarded head coach Dan Bylsma a very well deserved 3 year contract extension. Bylsma has been keeping the 2010-2011 roller coaster ride of a season on steady course and it is about time he gets some accolades from th > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Phil Pritchard and his Stanley Cup Secrets

Published on 2011-03-06 12:05:03

I recently caught up with Phil Pritchard and he was telling me what the first thing Sidney Crosby wanted to do with the Stanley Cup on his day with the Cup.  You may know Phil from the credit card commercial where he is stuck in the airport with th > read more

Islanders Organization, Jack Capuano and Garth Snow Continue to Embarrass NHL

Published on 2011-03-03 14:10:37

It has now been four weeks since the infamous Penguins/Islanders debacle of February 11th.  To all of the Islanders fans that posted here about what a bunch of goons the Penguins are, I would like to present into evidence the sad excuse for an NHL p > read more

The Penguins Playoff Push starts tonight

Published on 2011-03-02 09:46:06

To coin a phrase, today is the first day of the rest of the season.  Now that the trade deadline has come and gone, the Penguins will now focus on the final 18 games of the regular season and try to finish as high in the standings as they can.  The > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 Trade Deadline Day

Published on 2011-02-28 08:30:49

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS MOVES: Ray Shero has said that the Pittsburgh Penguins have made no moves today. Todays Penguins Trade Rumors EX-Penguin Player Moves: Former Penguin goalie Ty Conklin has cleared waivers. Some Other Moves: Jason Arnott h > read more

Taking a Shift with Brian Duff

Published on 2011-02-27 06:49:59

Unless you are not a hockey fan or have been living in Outer Mongolia for the past four years (and in either case, I'm not sure what you're doing on this site), then you know Brian Duff as the host of the best hockey show on television, NHL Network's > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Craig Button

Published on 2011-02-25 06:38:33

I had the luck of having a phone conversation with NHL on the Fly's analyst Craig Button yesterday right after the Penguins traded for Alexei Kovalev.   I say luck because this time of year with all the trades going on Craig is an extremely busy pe > read more

Penguins trade for Kovalev puts Crosby’s return in doubt

Published on 2011-02-24 13:06:50

---------------------------> The Penguins today reacquired Alexi Kovalev today from the Ottawa Senators for a conditional 7th round pick in the 2011 entry draft.  The pick could change to a 6th round one if the Penguins advance beyond the first > read more

Could Kovalev be a Good Fit for the Penguins?

Published on 2011-02-23 05:00:40

There is a lot of talk right now about the Pens having interest in obtaining the services of Alexei Kovalev.  Many sources report this as a possibility.  Most people, who comment on the possibility, seem to think that it would not necessarily be a > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee talk with Lisa Bowes

Published on 2011-02-22 19:21:46

I recently caught up with CTV Calgary's Lisa Bowes.     Lisa Bowes is known through out Canada as the woman who broke barriers by becoming the first woman to do play-by-play for the National Women's Hockey League, she is also know for the job she > read more

Penguins Trade Goligoski to Dallas for Neal and Niskanen by the numbers

Published on 2011-02-21 16:21:37

Alex Goligoski has been traded to the Dallas Stars for winger James Neal  & defenseman Matt Niskanen.    This will probably be considered an immediate coo for Penguins GM Ray Shero, the proof will be in how Goligoski performs in the futur > read more

Penguins fans will love James Neal as much as they will miss Goligoski

Published on 2011-02-21 16:02:15

Today, Ray Shero pulled off another trade that is being touted by Dallas fans as highway robbery.  The Penguins sent crowd favorite defenseman, Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for Left Winger, James Neal and Defenseman, Matt Niskanen.  Stars' fa > read more

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Brad Richards, the Perfect Match

Published on 2011-02-19 12:13:02

With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin out, you may think the Penguins GM Ray Shero should waive the white flag and live to fight another day. I'm willing  to bet there is a locker room full of Penguins that would not agree with this sentiment. I also > read more

Penguins possible trade acquisitions drying up while Shero waits on Crosby

Published on 2011-02-17 17:50:29

Within the past week, three possible players the Penguins may have been targeting at the trade deadline have been plucked by other clubs, and in all three instances, the price was fairly low.  The least likely of the three to be acquired by the Peng > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Bernie Nicholls

Published on 2011-02-16 12:28:21

It's not often you get to talk to a guy who has scored over 70 goals in one season in the NHL, after all there are only eight that have accomplished that feat.  It is not often you get to talk to a guy who has scored at least 150 points in one seas > read more

Wheeling-Johnstown Nailers are Losing Players Left and Right

Published on 2011-02-15 10:53:50

The Wheeling Nailers have lost their last three games after winning 9 out of 10.   JLPens, from our PenguinPoop Johnstown office has filed this report: We had two games here (in Johnstown) over the weekend (the Nailers lost both).  Right now, Wh > read more

Lemieux Was Right to Tell the NHL Emperor He’s Wearing no Clothes

Published on 2011-02-14 14:44:57

The effect that a game like Friday night's debacle will have on the NHL world, not just this year but in the future, is way more than the NHL executives are aware of. When the Disney executives, who just happen to be the owners of ESPN, look at the g > read more

Mario Lemieux Makes Statement, Slams NHL

Published on 2011-02-13 14:02:33

Mario Lemieux just released a statement on the Pittsburgh Penguins website saying “If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it.” and a bunch more.   The entire sta > read more

Penguins Bylsma could be suspended because of ref O’Halloran’s incompetence

Published on 2011-02-12 14:27:24

Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma has been suspended by the NHL pending review because Penguins enforcer Eric Godard left the bench during an altercation. An altercation that would have never taken place had NHL referee #13 Dan O'Halloran did his job. A lit > read more

Penguins / Islanders Marred by Ugly Play and Horrible Officiating

Published on 2011-02-11 22:10:27

Wow, I haven't witnessed this kind of thing since the North Stars skated Basil McRae and Shane Churla together.  Obviously, the Islanders had vengeance on their minds.  Unfortunately, the Pens gave them ample opportunity to extract revenge as they > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Stu Grimson the ‘Grim Reaper’

Published on 2011-02-10 10:10:25

With all the recent Sidney Crosby concussion talk I thought it would be a good idea to head to Nashville Tennessee and talk with former NHL tough guy Stu Grimson. One of the toughest guys to ever lace them up in the NHL.  Stu ended up retiring a > read more

What will the Penguins do next?????

Published on 2011-02-08 13:39:43

Now that Dave Molinari and Ecklund are done telling us exactly what the Penguins will not be doing, let toss out a few things my sources are telling me the Penguins may actually do. Due to the injuries that the Penguins have sustained this year to C > read more

Pens Lucky to Have Bylsma – Not Boudreau

Published on 2011-02-08 08:54:19

I am so glad that Dan Bylsma is the coach of the Penguins and not Pillsbury Dough Boy Bruce Boudreau.  He doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut when he should.  I'm guessing it's because he is not very intelligent. We got a good look at Boudreau > read more

Bombs Away: Caps Can’t Get Enough Of The Pens

Published on 2011-02-06 12:55:46

The Pens and Caps is more than a rivalry, it has become a story of unrequited love.  Or obsession.  If we have learned nothing else about the Caps this season, especially through the eyes of 24/7, it's that they have this non-stop focus on the Pens > read more

Video: Pittsburgh Steelers Renegade Tribute at Penguins Game

Published on 2011-02-05 12:20:37

I have to admit we are very psyched about the Pittsburgh Steelers Superbowl tomorrow and the game against the Washington Capitals at 12:30PM to kick the day off.  Here is the video the Penguins showed at the game last night... the atmosphere was in > read more

Jordan Staal Gets Time Served Because of Poor Officiating

Published on 2011-02-02 11:25:16

I can't remember the last time I turned off a game on TV. Last night I was so pissed at this call that I turned the TV off and changed channels. TSN reported this morning that Jordan Staal was suspended for tonight's game and has since then rescinded > read more

Vandelay’s Coffee Talk with Dan Moriarty

Published on 2011-01-27 11:19:28

Sorry you have not heard from me in a while. Krundle has sent me on a special assignment doing interviews for PenguinPoop. Having never done and interview, I thought I would do my first interview with probably the best NHL interviewer out there,  D > read more

With Malkin & Crosby Out GM Ray Shero Can Scout the Penguins

Published on 2011-01-25 10:30:10

I've never been much for the idiom "Is the glass half empty or full?"  The glass is always full, it's just a matter of what's in it. When the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice tonight for the third time in a row without the services of both Sidney C > read more

Bombs Away: Star Players Starting Massive Protest of All Star Game

Published on 2011-01-24 12:26:17

I told you we had big news, a PenguinPoop exclusive!  What seemed like a few select players not participating in the All Star Game is turning into a massive effort to stand behind Crosby's protest of the league's weak stand on hits to the head by sk > read more

What’s Wrong With Malkin?

Published on 2011-01-21 13:11:36

Or maybe, better yet, what does Malkin need to do, to get back to the form we expect from him?  I have to be honest, I don't know the answer to this problem. I have a couple of theories that could contribute to his lackluster production, but no conc > read more

Bombs Away: The Canadian Media Knows Everything About Nothing

Published on 2011-01-20 11:43:06

The Canadian "mainstream media" knows all, it case you didn't know.  Krundle thought he was an expert on concussions.  Little does he know that he was beat to that title weeks ago.  As soon it was announced that Crosby had a concussion following t > read more

Was Sidney Crosby’s Concussion Undiagnosed by Penguins Staff?

Published on 2011-01-18 10:55:49

I'm an expert on Hockey Concussions. No, I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. I also didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I did sustain a hockey concussion that warranted a few head staples and an overnight hospital stay and I'm very > read more

Penguins Need to Spend Less Time in the Penalty Box

Published on 2011-01-14 19:53:38

The Penguins have played 45 games this season.   They have played two with their full lineup.  They have still managed to hold a position near the top of the Eastern Conference.  Now that the Front Office has decided to keep us in the dark in reg > read more

Bombs Away: The 3.5 Minute Meltdown

Published on 2011-01-12 16:04:10

(Note:  It happens to be a coincidence that "Bombs Away" is appearing for the first time with a post about a meltdown.  We're trying to come up for a title for my mini-rants (kind of funny since I have a hard time writing anything very brief) and t > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins 2011 Trade Rumors

Published on 2011-01-11 14:09:18

Once again the Pittsburgh Penguins players names are being thrown around as possible trade candidates to try land a top winger for Crosby. Ray Shero himself has a bit over three million in cap space available to pickup a winger thanks to his usual cu > read more

Merry Christmas Evgeni Malkin!

Published on 2011-01-07 10:41:07

Today is Christmas for those of the Eastern Orthodox churches, the Russians in particular stick close to this tradition.  Well, obviously I'm not considering last night's loss a Christmas gift to Geno.  I'm talking about the bigger event that took > read more

Pittsburgh Penguins First Half of the Season Report

Published on 2011-01-06 11:31:08

When the horn sounded at the end of last nights game, it marked the end of the first half of the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Penguins themselves have less than twenty four hours from the end of the first half last night 'til the start o > read more

Winter Classic is over, and I, for one, am glad

Published on 2011-01-04 10:17:57

The 2011 Winter Classic is in the books, and thankfully, it is time to get back to your regularly scheduled season. - Was anyone else wondering why they didn't have the Stanley Cup presentation immediately after the game was over like they usually d > read more

PenguinPoop Photos: The Winter Classic a Weekend to Remember…

Published on 2011-01-03 17:14:41

Sorry you haven't heard from any of us over the weekend. We said we were going to party like rock stars and here is a photo blog of the proof. We made promises to certain people not to show all of the pictures, but here is what we were allowed to: U > read more